Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has emerged as a doubt for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The Norway international was replaced at half-time in City's 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon with manager Pep Guardiola confirming the decision was related to the 22-year-old taking a "kick" during the first-half and will therefore be assessed ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
"Erling has a kick and we will see in the next days how he will do," the Spaniard told reporters. "I think it is not injured but tomorrow we will see. Maybe Wednesday, but if there is some risks he is not going to play. If he’s not ready, somebody else will play. But hopefully, he is ready."
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With 25 Premier League goals to his name so far this season - including four hat-tricks - if Haaland can be available for selection against Arsenal it will, understandably, be a massive boost for City as they look for the victory that will take them top of the table by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Although, as Guardiola has stated that no risks will be taken with the striker, it's worth pointing out that a number of immediate replacements are staring the Spaniard in the face should Haaland be forced to sit out the meeting between the top two teams in the country.
Of course, the most obvious candidate to replace Haaland is Julian Alvarez as the Argentine World Cup winner is the other natural centre-forward option in the City senior squad. Now, whilst the 23-year-old perhaps isn't as prolific as his teammate, nine goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season is a fair record.
Interestingly, Alvarez for Haaland is the route Guardiola has taken down for the two league games that the latter hasn't started so far - a 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium before coming off the bench to net an injury-time winner against Fulham a week later.
Alternatively, the Spanish tactician could revive the 'false nine' role in his system having moved away from it following the arrival of Haaland - a traditional number nine - in last summer's transfer window. This would in turn provide plenty of options as it feels like the majority of City's attackers have operated in this particular role.
Kevin De Bruyne is one, as is youngster Cole Palmer - adept operating both as an attacking midfielder and a striker - whilst Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden have all had experiences as a false nine to mixed degrees of success, whilst Guardiola has previously commented on Bernardo Silva's versatility.
"A key player for us (Silva) for many reasons, for the work ethic, can play six roles up front - holding midfielder, position wingers, false nine, on both sides alternatively we can use him during a game, which is massively important," Guardiola said last season, as per the Manchester Evening News. "Sometimes, I need him (Silva) in the positions where we think he can make a boost for us."
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